Planning committee to hear Marquis Downs heritage site request Monday

A Saskatoon apprentice jockey is continuing her fight to keep Marquis Downs operating.

In a letter written to Saskatoon’s mayor and council dated May 27, Nicole Hein is hoping to have that part of Prairieland Park designated a heritage site as soon as possible.

She’s expected to make a video presentation to the Planning, Development and Community Services committee on Monday.

In her letter, she states: “Originally something to enjoy during the annual summer fair as far back as the late 1880s, horse racing has been a part of Saskatoon since before its inception and has been a constant throughout the ever‐changing landscape of the City.”

Hein adds the heritage designation is especially timely, given a pending demolition permit issued for a “warehouse” at 503 Ruth St. W.

The letter also states the current facility was built in 1969, and “Prairieland’s unwillingness to maintain the barns as required is in violation of the terms of their lease and should be seen as an affront to both the City of Saskatoon and this irreplaceable aspect of our collective heritage.”

In March, Prairieland Park’s board of directors announced it had decided to permanently cancel horse racing at Marquis Downs after a 50-year run.

Living Sky Sports and Entertainment is looking at bringing a Canadian Premier League soccer team to Saskatoon by 2023, and that team would play at a stadium built on the current Marquis Downs site.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between LSSE and Prairieland Park to build that stadium and a feasibility study is now underway.

Still, Hein believes Marquis Downs is the “heartbeat” of thoroughbred horse racing industry in Saskatchewan.

“Without it, the nearly sesquicentennial sport will completely disappear,” she adds.